Chronic Conditions and Caregiving in Canada: Social Support Strategies

Marilyn Mardiros is an associate professor of health sciences at the
University of Ottawa.

An interdisciplinary team of investigators conducted studies to
determine the role of social support in chronic illness across diverse
populations, including HIV/AIDS, diabetes, spina bifida, cystic
fibrosis, stroke, and cardiac conditions. In presenting the outcomes of
this research, Chronic Conditions and Caregiving in Canada alerts
readers to the severity of chronic illness in Canada and the
repercussions for those affected by chronic illness. The researchers
demonstrate that social support moderates the impact of stress on health
outcomes and influences health status, health behavior, and use of
health services.

Within this multiauthored text, chapters are formatted to enable
comparisons to be made across chapters. Each chapter begins with an
overview of the prevalence of a specific chronic illness and what is
known about social support for this population. Then two studies are
presented within each chapter: an assessment study that provides
information about social support, and an intervention study that focuses
on social support strategies (e.g., home visits, telephone support, and
computer mutual aid). Key points from the research are then summarized
within each chapter. Information about health policy development in
caregiving and chronic illness is also provided.

This welcome addition to the research literature on social support and
chronic illness is recommended for undergraduate and graduate students,
health professionals, and others interested in learning about options in
supporting people with chronic illness.